Walt Disney World Dining For Beginners

Walt Disney World serves a lot of food, an awful lot of food. There are over 6,000 food items available at more than 475 different locations. Amazingly Walt Disney World would be the 45th largest food chain in the world if it became a food service company. The number of dining choices can be bewildering for the first time Walt Disney World Visitor. Our Walt Disney World Dining for Beginners Guide is full of helpful information to plan your vacation.

Disney World Dining Locations

There are several types of restaurant & food locations at Walt Disney World:

Table Service Restaurants at Walt Disney World

At Table Service restaurants you are served by a waiter. There are a wide variety of Table Service Restaurants including a la carte, buffets, character meals and meals served family style.

Tipping of staff at most of these restaurants is customary. For groups of 6 or more, these will be automatically added.

Sanna Kidani Village Delicious Desserts

Disney World Signature Dining

These are the most costly dining option in Walt Disney World. These restaurants serve the very best food in the most luxurious surroundings. Think Michelin Star Quality.

The Michelin Guide currently does not cover Florida.

Le Cellier Epcot is a Signature Restaurant

Quick Service Locations at Walt Disney World

Quick-service or Counter Service is Disney World’s Fast Food locations. However; don’t think of just burgers and fries as there is a huge choice of meals available. Meals are usually cheaper than at table service restaurants and you order your food, and usually collect, at a counter.

Tipping is not required at these locations.

Quick Service Breakfast Be Our Guest

Dinner Shows at Walt Disney World

There are 3 long established Dinner Shows at Walt Disney Wolrd

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at the Fort Wilderness Camp Ground. The longest-running show at Walt Disney World full of audience participation.

Character Meals at Walt Disney World

Meeting a character whilst you dine can be your worse nightmare or a fantastic treat. There is a selection of great Character Meals at Walt Disney World that cover a range of budgets.

Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort Disney World Dining for Beginners

Character Meals are located throughout Disney World and are offered at each theme park plus at several resorts. Whether it is Mickey Mouse, a Disney Princess or Winnie the Pooh there is likely to be a character meal where you can meet your favourite character.

The Disney Dining Plan

The Disney Dining Plan is a prepaid meal plan offered at Walt Disney World for those staying in Disney owned resort hotels. The plan must be booked before arrival with a valid park ticket and is not available to guests not staying at a Disney resort. It is also open to Disney Vacation Club members. On occasions, Disney offers free dining packages to guests as part of their reservation.

Disney’s Advanced Dining Reservations

Disney’s Advanced Dining Reservations are the system for making dining reservations at table service restaurants at Walt Disney World. All guests can book reservations for Disney restaurants 180 days in advance of their visit.

Disney resort guests can reserve 180 days in advance of their day of arrival and make up to 10 days of Advance Dining Reservations that same day.

Disney World & Food Allergies

Disney World is one of the best places to visit if you have food allergies or intolerances. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the recipient of a FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) Award. The award was given for their dedication to proving a safe and enjoyable dining experience.

Tables in Wonderland

Tables in Wonderland is exclusive to Florida Residents, Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members. The card gives 20% discount on food and alcohol at over 100 restaurants.

The Wave Contemporary Resort

Mobile Ordering

Recently many Quick Service restaurants at Disney World have started to allow you to order your food ahead. Via the My Disney Experience App you can order your food and prepay using the dining plan or a credit card.

Once you get to your restaurant hit the “I’m here” button and you will be notified where to collect your order.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in the United States. Disney recommends tipping your server at table service locations between 18-20% of your meal cost. For groups of 6 or more 18% is automatically added to your bill.

David from Glasgow Rose & Crown Cast Member Disney World Dining For Beginners